American Airlines is temporarily trimming select domestic routes during August and September, citing rising jet fuel costs tied to disruption in oil markets during the ongoing Iran conflict. The move adds to similar adjustments by other carriers, raising the p
By the time travelers look up a route, the schedule may already be slipping out from under them. American Airlines has confirmed it will temporarily suspend six domestic routes during August and September. trimming service that connects California cities to destinations across the country as jet fuel prices surge.
The airline says the change is limited to “select routes,” with the carrier focusing on routes tied to California. It also stressed it is not making a permanent retreat from the network: American Airlines told CBS News it is “not suspending any routes indefinitely as part of this adjustment.”
The six affected routes are Los Angeles to Cleveland, Los Angeles to Columbus, Los Angeles to Pittsburgh, Los Angeles to Washington Dulles, Charlotte to Ontario, and Charlotte to Sacramento.
For passengers already booked on impacted flights, American Airlines says they can either be rebooked onto an alternative flight or receive a refund.
Other airlines are making similar, uneven changes, and the pattern is showing up globally. Air Canada confirmed it is temporarily cutting routes from 1 June, pointing to rising jet fuel costs. The airline said jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict. squeezing some lower profitability routes and flights until they were “no longer economically feasible.”.
Air Canada’s timetable includes Salt Lake City to Toronto, with plans to resume in 2027; and JFK to Toronto, with plans to resume on October 25, 2026. It also lists JFK to Montreal and states that service is planned to resume on October 25, 2026.
Delta’s adjustments are smaller in number but still felt. Delta told CBS the decisions were based on a “variety of factors. ” including operating costs and broader operational considerations. not just fuel prices. The specific reductions Delta has outlined are New York JFK to Memphis. from 7 June to 7 September 2026; New York JFK to St. Louis, from 7 June to 7 September 2026; Detroit to Reykjavik, until 6 July 2026; and Boston to Nassau, from 18 July to 5 September 2026.
United’s cuts are tied to prolonged fuel pressure as well. Reuters reported that United is cutting about five percent of its planned capacity ahead of high jet fuel costs linked to the Iran war. Reuters said the reduction includes roughly 3 percent of its off-peak flights. including some midweek. on Saturday and overnight; about 1 percent of flights that operate out of Chicago O’Hare; continued suspension of service to Tel Aviv and Dubai.
Jet fuel costs are the center of the pressure. Industry analysts cited by CBS said jet fuel typically accounts for around 25 percent to 30 percent of an airline’s overall operating costs. leaving carriers exposed when prices spike. In practice, that means routes with thinner margins can suddenly stop making sense on a company balance sheet.
Airlines are responding in multiple ways: cutting or suspending less profitable routes. increasing ticket prices or adding fuel surcharges. and raising ancillary fees such as baggage costs. The broader aviation sector has been grappling with the same strain. as rising oil prices tied to geopolitical instability have hit profitability and pushed carriers worldwide to reassess route networks and scheduling.
The timelines also vary, which is what makes planning difficult for travelers. American Airlines says its cuts run from August to September. Air Canada says some services are suspended until October 25. while others run until October 25. 2026. and Salt Lake City to Toronto is expected to resume in 2027. Delta has routes resuming in July and September. United expects its full schedule to resume “in the fall.”.
Where the situation lands for passengers may depend on what happens next with fuel prices. Airlines have said these are temporary adjustments, but whether they stick to the plan could hinge on whether jet fuel costs stabilize or fall—or whether high prices persist and force further route changes.
For travelers. the consequences are straightforward and personal: fewer direct flight options. longer travel times due to connections. and the possibility of higher ticket prices. For many people. those shifts don’t show up as headlines—they show up when the itinerary no longer works and the trip costs more than it did yesterday.
American Airlines jet fuel prices Iran conflict route cuts airline schedules Delta Air Canada United travelers fares